New administrator to expand Victoria Christian School

Kids in the Victoria Christian School's summer program were just waking up from a nap, their tired voices echoing down hallways adorned with brightly-colored backpacks.

If the school's new administrator has her way, these halls will be louder and more colorful for years to come.

Catherine Parsons Key, 52, took over VCS in June - 21 years after she left the school to go into private practice as a licensed professional counselor.

"I felt like it was time to give back to the school again," Key said from her new office at the school.

The native Victorian has ambitious plans for the school at which she worked for nine years in the '80s. Back then, VCS was in its heyday, offering classes from age 3 up to fifth grade with students on a waiting list.

For several years, the school has been focusing on its preschool program, only offering instruction through kindergarten.

Key plans to build the school back up and add a grade of instruction each year.

"I think the school has a good foundation because it's been in business since 1978," Key said. "It can offer students a strong Christian education that is unique and personalized."

Key remembered from her tenure at VCS the difference the school made in kids.

"When you come into the school and you're one of 10 kids in a class, you feel special. It makes you feel unique, and that's what we're trying to achieve here," Key said. "There's more tender loving care here."

At least one parent agreed with Key's assessment of VCS's individualized instruction.

Grace Neibrandt's 4- and 6-year-old boys have been attending VCS for about three years.

"Even my two children are polar opposites," Neibrandt said. "They know my children that well ... they know their personalities, and they know every kid is different."

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VICTORIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ENROLLMENT INFORMATIONVictoria Christian School, 801 East Airline Road, is enrolling for the 2011-12 school year. Administrator Catherine Key said the school has plenty of certified teachers lined up if VCS gets enough interest in first grade, but right now, the school takes from 12-month-olds to kindergarteners.

The school takes children of all faiths and does not teach based on a doctrine. "It's just strictly the Bible stories," Key said.

To enroll, call the school at 361-573-5345 or visit victoriachristian.org.